Psychiatry vs Therapy: What's the Difference?

If you're considering mental health treatment, you've probably wondered about the difference between psychiatry and therapy. It's one of the most common questions I hear from patients, and the confusion is completely understandable.

I'm Christopher Schuman, a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner serving patients in Texas and Washington. At Veritas Behavioral Health, my focus is on providing compassionate, patient-centered care that looks at the whole person — not just a diagnosis.

Quick Summary

• Psychiatry = Medical care, diagnosis, and (when appropriate) medication
• Therapy = Talk-based support, skill-building, and emotional processing
• Best results often come from using both together
• Treatment should be tailored to your specific needs — medication, therapy, lifestyle changes, or a combination

So, what's the difference?

Psychiatry: A medical specialty focused on diagnosing and treating mental health conditions. As a psychiatric nurse practitioner, I can assess symptoms, prescribe and manage medications, and design a treatment plan that fits your life.

Therapy: Also called counseling or psychotherapy, therapy uses structured conversations to help you process experiences, build coping skills, and change patterns. Therapists do not prescribe medication.

Real-world example: I might prescribe medication to help stabilize your anxiety symptoms while you work with a therapist on identifying triggers and developing long-term coping strategies. The medication provides relief so you can fully engage in therapy work.

Do you have to choose one or the other?

Not necessarily. Many people benefit from combining psychiatry and therapy — medication can help manage symptoms, while therapy helps you make meaningful changes in daily life.

At Veritas, I look at the whole picture and recommend the mix of care that serves you best. I work with several excellent therapists in the area and can help coordinate your care when both approaches would be beneficial.

Getting Started

If you're not sure where to start, write down your top three concerns and when they began. Bring this list to your first appointment — it keeps the conversation focused on what matters most to you.

Questions about whether psychiatry, therapy, or both might help? I'm here to help you find the right path forward.

Ready to Get Started?

New patient consultations are available within 1-2 weeks. I accept most major insurance plans and offer transparent pricing for self-pay patients.

Crisis support: If you're experiencing a mental health emergency, please call 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) or go to your nearest emergency room

Christopher A. Schuman, MSN, ARNP, PMHNP-BC, is a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner and founder of Veritas Behavioral Health, serving patients in Texas and Washington.